Low GPA, how to make up for it?

Hi everyone!

I’m currently a sophomore in high school. I have a UW GPA of 3.6 and at this point, I don’t think I can raise it much. My school doesn’t offer AP classes for freshman and only 1 for sophomores which only a couple people take so I took honors bio and chem, and the highest honors track available to me (algebra 2-3 freshman year and precalc this year). Next year, I’m taking APUSH, AP Physics, and AP Calc BC. I’m really really stressed because I know my GPA isn’t good, and I’m conflicted as to whether or not I should focus on raising my GPA next year by taking easier classes (drop down to AP Calc AB?) or I should keep at it. Being completely honest, I don’t think I’d be able to get a solid A in either of those classes as I’ve talked to upperclassmen and they are all really hard.
I’m going to be a varsity starter for all 4 years on the tennis team, I do wind ensemble/marching band, French Honor Society, and some clubs that I don’t see myself having leadership roles in the future (key club, habitat for humanity, FBLA). I started a business the summer before sophomore year selling handmade jewelry and I’ve had over 4500 sales since then, which is something I want to emphasize. Any advice on boosting future college applications? I really want to go to a good school, not crazy but still good (UCLA, NYU?) Thanks so much.

Test scores, essays, and ECs.

Try to get a 4.0 for junior/senior year, it will raise your cumulative GPA to a more favorable number.

You’ll be able to take more AP’s in junior year which counts for the UC’s.

Make sure you can afford the UC’s. There is no financial aid for OOS students.
$60K per year if you are not a resident.
UC’s look at 10th and 11th grades.